Sudan Army and Allies Recapture Strategic Bara Town from Rapid Support Forces
The Sudanese army and allied forces announced on Thursday that they had recaptured the town of Bara in North Kordofan from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after intense battles.
The RSF had held Bara since the early months of the conflict that erupted in April 2023, using the town as a base to attack the state capital El-Obeid and secure key supply routes from western Sudan.
The army described the operation as a decisive step to secure El-Obeid from the east and potentially reopen a link to Omdurman, contingent on clearing nearby RSF positions. A statement from the army spokesman’s office said, “Your forces have entered Bara with force, determination, and capability, cleansing it of the filth of the scoundrels.”
Pro-army social media footage showed troops inside the town and several destroyed RSF vehicles, with dozens of RSF fighters reportedly killed or captured.
The conflict has also affected civilians. According to the Sudan Doctors’ Network, three civilians were killed and 14 injured during the shelling, which targeted residential areas. The network called the attacks a violation of international humanitarian law and urged all parties to allow safe passage for humanitarian aid.
Following the army’s announcement, spontaneous celebrations broke out in El-Obeid, and North Kordofan Governor Abdel-Khaleq Abdel-Latif hailed the recapture as a “gift to the Sudanese people,” praising citizens for their patience during RSF abuses.
During its control of Bara, the RSF, reportedly aided by South Sudanese mercenaries, faced accusations of looting, forced home seizures, and displacement of families to El-Obeid.
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